Maximizing First Impressions
Exterior and Curb Appeal Experts
say most buyers make their decision at first sight.
General
Exterior
Prospective buyers will react well to signs your home has been meticulously
maintained.
- Manicure landscaping: mow, edge
and water lawn, trim hedges, weed and fertilize flowerbeds and prune trees.
- Keep driveway clean and free
of parked cars, and keep the garage door closed.
- Repair or replace loose or damaged
roof shingles.
- Minimize cracks or crumbling
on walkways, walls, or steps, and keep them clean and free of obstructions
like toys or snow.
- Items from RV’s to waste cans
left out can contribute to a cluttered or busy appearance. Make sure that
from the street, your property appears clean.
- Inspect appearance of interior
window coverings from the curb.
- Repair any peeling paint or
loose caulking on windows or other areas.
- Take steps to eliminate inspect
or rodent pests.
- Pick up after your pets or neighborhood
animals.
Doorway
While agents work the lockbox for a key, buyers have idle time to notice details.
- Apply a fresh coat of paint
to the front door and frame.
- Consider adding pots of flowering
plants in the entryway if weather permits.
- Eliminate cobwebs and groom
doorway area windows, porch light, or decorative glass.
Interior
Appeal
Once inside, experts say most buyers are reaffirming their curbside decision.
Clean, Clear,
Light and Bright
- Give every room in the house
a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. Hiring a cleaning service may
pay for itself by adding to a buyer’s perceived value of your home.
- For a sleeker, more spacious
look, consider placing furniture from crowded rooms in storage.
- Clear kitchen counters of everything
other than perhaps a few very pretty items. Ask yourself: In a model home,
would a professional decorator put your choice of items out on the counter?
- Remember: Closets will be opened!
Keep closets, cupboards, and even your attic orderly and neat. Since you
are anticipating a move anyway, consider holding a garage sale or boxing
and storing unused belongings.
- If necessary, repaint or clean/replace
dingy, soiled or strongly-colored walls, and window and floor coverings
with a light, neutral shade. Bright rooms look bigger, and neutral colors
help buyers envision their own furnishings and décor.
- Repair dripping faucets, burned-out
light bulbs, or cracked windowpanes.
- Repair cracks, holes or damage
to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, and tiles.
Warm and
Homey
- Subtle scents of potpourri in
bedrooms or baths and fresh baked cookies or cinnamon in the kitchen can
make your home more inviting.
- Keep an attractive set of towels
in each bathroom to be brought out only for showings.